eighteen

In the past I've discussed the essential tools that I've used to research this book. Here's a couple of them. I could not do this work without a microscope. It would be impossible. I found this one in Babe's Bric-a-Brac shop. Do you know the one? It's in one of the back streets, just out of town.

The tweezers, below, are just your run of the mill eyebrow pluckers. Both of these things are essential pieces of kit if you should be considering researching the woodland people.

Finally an update on this blog! I cannot believe how long it's been. Basically, last year, I got so busy with all sorts of other projects that this sat simmering on the backburner. But, simmering is good - just not for too long! I've really missed working on this project. After all, this is THE book I have inside me (we all have one of those don't we?) and I intend to update more frequently. Thanks for continuing to visit and a big huge thanks to everyone who has added thier name to THIS LIST.

a commercial break

So, it's interval time folks. Grab yourself a cuppa or an ice cream whilst I start convincing you to buy something! Now, I know you have all generously supported me in this endeavour by subscribing to and following this blog, and by adding your name to THIS LIST. Well, there is another way you could support me; yes, here comes the ever so slick sales pitch (no, don't laugh). I have made this lovely little very limited edition zine. I actually first came up with the idea when I was thinking about something I could send out to publishers. A way of showing them a little snippet of this book, to hopefully entice them into publishing. Then, I took it a bit further and came up with a zine. then added little hand written notes and a teenyweeny letter of provenance. You know how that happens. Anyway, to read more about this little zine and to get your hands on a copy click HERE. These are the very first hard copies of these drawings. Hey, if (when) this book is finally published this little zine could be worth a fortune!! Thanks for listening, and I'll be back with some new drawings very shortly.

seventeen

The Ladybird Nursery Clump Comb Slide by Bizzie Birdsworth.

Here's another of the beautiful bespoke hair accessories by Bizzie Birdsworth. I also thought I share some of my field notes with you. This is a quick sketch I did of Nell wearing the comb slide that you see above. The notes are in a bit of a state. I found them in the lining of my jacket pocket about ten years after I'd made them. Unbelievable, I know.

sixteen

In my last post I told you about 'the Swish' hairbrush, designed by Bryn the Brush. Well, it turns out that I have drawn this brush before, but I'd completely forgotten that I had. It is included in this drawing of my research HQ - also known as my kitchen table. I wonder if you can spot it? No? Let me help you out...

Can you spot it now? You might need to click on the drawing. No? It's just below the starwberry mug, next to the pixie research journal, to the left of the drawing of the tall hat. No? Surely you spot it can now...

YES. Next to the tiny bottle of ink and to the left of the pixie ball of string. Now, you can see what kind of scale I am working to. And, you'll fully understand why my eyesight is getting worse by the day.

This pixie research is not an easy job , you know. But, I guess, somebody has to do it.

Also, I'm very excited to tell you that I (and specifically this blog) have been selected as one of the Froudian artists of the month. Yeah, that's just Brian Froud one of my all time illustration heroes. And, in no small part an inspiration for this book.

fifteen

Now, we've touched on the subject of the woodland folk's hair before - you do remember don't you? I told you that they have seriously uncontrollable hair, which has a texture a bit like a horse's mane, straw and a doormat all rolled into one. I also told you that they HAVE to carry a hairbrush wherever they go. It's a necessity. I do wish you'd listen.

Well, now I'd like to tell you about one remarkable little fella who, unfortunately, I never had the pleasure of meeting. But, he is a bit of a legend in these parts. His name was Bryn the Brush. And, he invented the Swish Army Hairbrush. In fact, Bryn spent most of his life working on redesigning the hair brush.

The story goes that some boy scouts were camping in Bryn's woods, one summer. He watched them from a distance, getting annoyed by them lighting a fire. And, by their annoying singing. Now, apparently the scout leader was using a Swiss Army knife. Bryn was intrigued. He'd never seen such a thing before. It's unusual for the woodland folk to be inspired by anything we humans do, but when Bryn saw the design of this object he became inspired. He did a few sketches, jotted down a few notes and went straight back home to set to work on his idea.

And, this was the end result. Bryn the Brush's Swish Army hairbrush. It just about solves all the problems of 'pixie hair'. To this day this is the most used kind of hairbrush in the in all woodlands and forests. And, the entire thing is made from one twig - apart from the bristles. I think it's pretty special. I love that kind of obsessiveness that drives somebody to make something like this. I mean, how would you even think up something like this? I have no idea.

One other thing you should know about Bryn is that he was hard of hearing.

fourteen

Six pairs of woodland socks.

These are some examples of woodland socks. They range from the cosy comfy toasty to the hardy hard wearing types of socks. For comfort mossy socks are your best bet. Whilst woven grasses and reeds are robust and resistant to anything the woodland can throw at you and your feet.

1. The Last Snows of Spring Moss Sock. Extra cosy. Can also be used as bed socks.
2. The Sweet Bluegrass Sock. A smooth woven grass and reed sock. It is covered with a fine layer of algae for extra comfort. It also helps the wearer slip their foot into their shoe more easily.
3. Heather Hill Heathery Socks. Smooth woven heather socks made from the best quality heathers from Heather Hill. Comfortable and yet deceivingly durable.
4. The Knobbly Bobbly. A mixture of grass and heather make up these all seasons socks. Not for those with very ticklish feet.
5. The Three Moss Sock. A real treat for your feet. Like walking on a cloud. Made from three of the very softest mosses. These too can double up as bed socks.
6.Bobby Socks. Woven grasses and reeds completed with a seed pod hold up.

To research the textures of the socks I placed them on the end of my fingers and wiggled them about. You could also use your toes.

thirteen

Hat care essentials by Chestnut Brown.

So, already, we've talked quite a lot about pixie hats. I did warn you that it is a very BIG subject. Well, now I shall tell you a little bit about hat care. The woodland folk take great care of their hats. This is because, contrary to popular belief, they only own a couple of hats each. At the very most four -one for each season. They choose them wisely and will often keep them for life.

You know, that's one of the things that impresses me the most about these little people. Their care and consideration for the environment. They don't feel a need to own endless stuff. They don't fill their lives with things. And, personally, I think they are better off for it. They own what they need. That, of course, doesn't mean the things they own can't be beautiful and fancy. They are. More so, in fact. Handmade objects by talented creative artisans. Not endless plastic throw away junk. I think we have a lot to learn from them.

Oh dear, I didn't mean to rant like that. I was going to tell you about hat care. Another time.